Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Anderson County Man for Crimes Committed against Churches

An Anderson County man remains in custody today, at the Oconee County Detention Center, after his arrest last Friday on charges related to crimes against two Oconee County churches that occurred in April of this year.

39 year old Ryan Scott Allison, of Maria Drive, was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center around 3:35pm on May 19th. Allison has been charged with one count of Second Degree Burglary, two counts of Grand Larceny, and one count of Malicious Injury to Property. Allison was given a combined $55,000.00 surety bond during a bond hearing.

The first crime was reported by Return Baptist Church, located near Seneca, on April 6th as deputies were informed that a 2018 Covered Wagon 12-foot enclosed trailer had been stolen from the church.

The second crime was reported by Rock Hill Baptist Church, located near Fair Play, back on
April 15th. According to information obtained during the investigation, entry was made into the church and items, which included sound equipment, cooking equipment, an appliance, and instruments, were stolen.

The investigation was turned over to the Criminal Investigations Bureau. As the investigation continued, Investigators learned that the trailer stolen from Return Baptist had been located in Greenville County, on May 3rd, by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.

Further investigation revealed that Allison was in possession of the stolen trailer.
Items that were stolen from Rock Hill Baptist were located inside of the stolen trailer. With
assistance from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, additional items were located in their
jurisdiction that further corroborated Allison’s role in the crimes.

Based upon evidence that was gathered during the investigation, Investigators charged Allison was breaking into Rock Baptist, without consent, and with intent to commit a crime. Allison is also charged with damaging some metal siding on the Rock Hill Baptist building in order to gain entry into the building. Allison is also charged with stealing the trailer from Return Baptist and the previously mentioned items from Rock Hill Baptist.

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation.

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office for their partnership and help during the
investigation.